If you’ve spotted SYNCB/Gap on your credit report, you might be wondering what it means and how it got there. Here’s what you need to know—and what to do if it’s hurting your credit.
What Is SYNCB/Gap on Your Credit Report?
SYNCB/Gap shows up on your credit report when you apply for a Gap credit card backed by Synchrony Bank. It’s shorthand for Synchrony Bank/Gap and usually appears because of a hard inquiry during the application process.
When you apply for the card, Synchrony Bank checks your credit report to decide if you qualify. That credit check leaves a hard inquiry behind, labeled as SYNCB/Gap.
Even if your application wasn’t approved, the inquiry still stays on your credit report for a while.
Why SYNCB/Gap Appears on Your Credit Report
Hard inquiries happen whenever a lender reviews your credit report during an application for new credit. SYNCB/Gap specifically ties to your Gap credit card application through Synchrony Bank.
This is standard for most credit card applications. It signals that you applied for new credit, whether or not you got approved.
How SYNCB/Gap Inquiries Affect Your Credit Score
Hard inquiries like SYNCB/Gap can lower your credit score by a few points. The impact is usually small, but if you have several inquiries in a short period, it can add up.
Too many hard inquiries can make lenders think you’re aggressively seeking credit, which might raise concerns about your financial situation.
If you plan to apply for major loans or more credit soon, it’s smart to limit applications to avoid unnecessary hits to your credit score.
How Long SYNCB/Gap Stays on Your Credit Report
A SYNCB/Gap hard inquiry stays on your credit report for up to two years. Other lenders can see it during that time when reviewing your credit history.
The impact on your credit score fades over time, and after 24 months, the inquiry automatically drops off your credit report.
It’s a good idea to check your credit report regularly so you can track how long the inquiry has been there and stay informed about your overall credit profile.
How to Handle Unauthorized SYNCB/Gap Inquiries
If you didn’t apply for a Gap credit card but see SYNCB/Gap on your credit report, it could be a mistake or a warning sign of identity theft. Here’s what to do:
- Contact Synchrony Bank: Ask them to verify the inquiry. They can tell you whether it was legitimate or an error.
- Dispute the inquiry with the credit bureaus: If the inquiry wasn’t authorized, file a dispute with Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion to have it removed.
- Consider adding a fraud alert: If you suspect identity theft, placing a fraud alert on your credit report makes it harder for someone to open accounts in your name.
Keeping your credit report accurate protects your credit score and can help prevent fraud.
Can You Remove SYNCB/Gap From Your Credit Report?
You can remove a SYNCB/Gap inquiry if it wasn’t authorized or was reported by mistake. Disputing incorrect hard inquiries with the credit bureaus helps keep your credit report accurate.
Some people handle disputes themselves. Others prefer to work with credit repair companies that deal with unauthorized inquiries and other negative items.
Credit Saint is one option to consider. They’ve helped thousands of people clean up their credit reports and improve their credit scores. They even offer a 90-day money-back guarantee for extra peace of mind.
If you want help removing inquiries or fixing other credit issues, visit their website to see how they can assist.
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